Models and Miniatures
to
216
801
727
1,312
186
89
161
151
80
52
43
42
24
17
17
16
15
14
11
11
9
9
8
6
67
330
915
275
233
314
202
30
8
42
52
31
67
62
47
41
34
728
680
143
133
118
1,001
321
276
233
202
1,587
1,491
1,584
70
61
30
18
15
Models and Miniatures For Sale
Georgian Mahogany Miniature Chest
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Good Quality And Charming Early 19th Century Mahogany Miniature Chest, Having Well Figured Top Over Three Long Drawers With Original Brass Knobs And Boxwood Inlaid Escutcheons, Over Elegant Shaped Apron With Original Splayed Bracket Feet.
There is regular debate over whether miniature furniture was made as an apprentice piece, which is when a craftsmen who was looking for a job at a workshop would create something to showcase their talents. Or whether it was made as a travelling salesmans sample piece, which is when a few items were produced as scale models but a well established workshop as a form of physical catalogue in advance of a travelling salesman’s road trip around the country, for him to use to try and fill his order book with full size counterparts.
We believe that this particular little Georgian Miniature Chest was probably made as an apprentice piece, due to the relative simplicity of it, combined with the exceptional execution, which maybe suggests that somebody was very much trying to impress somebody else. It is also slightly unusual in form, which again suggests it was made more as a one off item with a specific purpose, as opposed to a scale model of other items.
It is certainly a charming piece of antique miniature furniture...
Category
Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Mahogany
Georgian Mahogany Miniature Bowfront Chest Of Drawers
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Good Quality Late 18th Century, George III Period, Bowfronted Mahogany Miniature Chest Having Very Well Figured Top, Over Two Short And Three Long Drawers, With Replacement Tu...
Category
Late 18th Century English George III Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Mahogany
Ricci Paolo Italian Onyx green Vintage Telephone
By Paolo Rizzo
Located in Valladolid, ES
Gorgeous Italian Vintage rotary dial telephone, made of green onyx and 18 kt gold plated details , años 60-70. Beautiful light green color with beautiful veins that make up onyx, a...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures
Materials
Marble
19th Century French Marquetry Miniature Sample Commode
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 19th century French marquetry commode de maitrise, or miniature sample commode. Made veneer of mahogany with pine and beech as a secondary w...
Category
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Beech, Mahogany, Pine
Rare Limited Edition of 12 Vase Alpha by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese artificial flower vase alpha by Ettore Sottsass,
edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995.
Limited edition of 12 signed and numbered pieces, number 7 / 12.
This piece has also been produced as a limited edition with a total of only 12 units.
In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Ettore Sottsass (14 September 1917-31 December 2007) was an Italian architect and designer of the late 20th century. His body of designs included furniture, jewelry, glass, lighting and office machine design. Sottsass was born on 14 September 1917 in Innsbruck, Austria, and grew up in Milan, where his father was an architect. In 1956, Ettore Sottsass began working as a design consultant for Olivetti, designing office equipment...
Category
1990s European Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Pin Cushion Doll Head by William Goebel
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this petite and very skillfully painted Art Deco pin cushion head manufactured by the German factory of William Goebel. Measuri...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Art Deco Models and Miniatures
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Trunk Jewelry Box in Mahogany by Tommaso Barbi Per Bottega Gadda-Mi
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Mid-Century Trunk Jewelry Box in Mahogany by Tommaso Barbi Per Bottega Gadda-Milano
About Tommaso Barbi
Tommaso Barbi is an Italian Postwar & Contemporary artist who was born in the...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures
Materials
Mahogany
Large 1940s Magnesium Bodied Indianapolis style Tether Race Car
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large 1940s magnesium bodied tether race car. Speed chief.
Category
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Models and Miniatures
Materials
Aluminum, Other
Antique Marklin Ocean Liner with American Flags and Lifeboats, circa 1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique Marklin Ocean Liner with American flags and lifeboats circa 1900
Original Travel Agency Model - No Motor - Wired Interior for Lighting
Antique Marklin Ocean Liner with Am...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
20th Century Antique Porcelain Doll Heads
Located in Casteren, NL
20th century antique porcelain doll heads, various sizes and ages.
25 items in total.
Originates France, dating, circa 1950-1960.
Category
1950s French Vintage Models and Miniatures
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century French Agate, Lapis Lazuli and Gold Cane
Located in London, GB
19th century French agate, lapis lazuli and gold cane
French, 19th Century
Height 85.5cm, width 6cm, depth 2.5cm
This remarkable 19th century cane, crafted by skilled French ar...
Category
19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Agate, Lapis Lazuli, Gold
Life-Size Wicker Sculpture of Harley Davidson Motorcycle
Located in New York, NY
Dimensions: 30" W x 71" L x 41" H
This extraordinary sculpture is a life-size replica of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, intricately handcrafted from natural wicker. The attention to ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Rattan
Cased Ship Model of the United States Frigate "Essex" 1799
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Finely made three masted ship model (1/8” inch =1 ‘ Scale) with carved wood details and painted with string details. Includes Masthead Sculpture, two Anchor...
Category
20th Century American Classical Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood
Bugatti 57 SC Atlantic Crystal Model Car, same as the Ralph Lauren Collection
Located in Milano, IT
The Bugatti 57SC is universally recognized as one of the most beautiful expressions of automotive design ever. Penned by Ettore Bugatti's son Jean and pro...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures
Materials
Crystal
American 4 Drawer Antique Salesman's Sample Cherry Veneered Chest
Located in Morristown, NJ
19th c., American, four drawer miniature chest with Sheraton style pulls, on scalloped blocked feet. This attractive salesman sample is characterful with a lovely deep aged cherry co...
Category
19th Century American Sheraton Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood, Cherry
Late 19th to Early 20th Century Sedan Chair Miniature Table Top Display Cabinet
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th to early 20th century sedan chair miniature table top display cabinet
Charming custom made and hand painted miniature table top ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Rococo Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood
Set of 15 Vintage Irish Linen Handmade Pumpkin Fall Ornaments by Katie Larmour
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Set of 15 limited Edition Artisan Irish Linen pumpkin onaments by Katie Larmour
This is a luxury box set of artisan made decorative ornaments created with authentic Irish Linen, exclusive to 1stdibs. They are special because they are limited editions from a beautiful mixture of vintage and deadstock fabric in small batches (some even one-of-a-kind) embellished with exquisite copper embroidery and dainty beading.
These novelty miniatures are a unique and quirky gift, or a treat to oneself, particularly suitable for the holiday season. They are superb decorating for Fall, Harvest, Thanksgiving and Halloween celebrations but also work all year round. They are collectible and can be kept as heirlooms.
Katie Larmour is an acclaimed Northern Irish designer with a studio based in her hometown of Belfast. Known for heritage textiles, her signature use of Irish Linen and original designs have seen her brand make waves in Europe and beyond.
The fabric is 100% pure Irish Linen from a mixture of sustainable sources - vintage, local mill deadstock rolls from one of the last remaining linen mills still active in Ireland today, repurposed antique tablecloths...
Category
2010s Unknown Models and Miniatures
Materials
Linen
Crown Staffordshire Large Porcelain Tudor House Pastille Burner c.1906
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large and rare antique porcelain pastille burner modelled as a Tudor House set within a walled garden by Crown Staffordshire and dating from around 1...
Category
Early 1900s English Art Nouveau Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage 1976 J.R. Bauman Women’s Dress Form Adjustable Mannequin
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Vintage original J.R.Bauman 1976 dress form mannequin, New York.
Size 16.5 with signs of age appropriate wear on a cast iron base with casters. The form is wrapped in linen and layer...
Category
1970s American Vintage Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
Whaleship Lagoda by William Hitchcock
Located in Norwell, MA
Plank on frame model of the American Whaleship Lagoda built by prominent model maker William Hitchcock. Plank on frame with exposed ribs below the waterline. Details include planed d...
Category
1990s North American Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood
Antique Brass Letter Holder Paper Clip
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique brass letter or envelope holder. In the shape of a delicate hand, this petite clip with an end ring will not only look handsome on a desk, but is quite capable of holding pap...
Category
Late 19th Century French Art Deco Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass
Antique English Gold Mounted Walking Stick
Located in London, GB
Antique English gold mounted walking stick
English, 1809
Height 91cm, diameter 2.5cm
This charming walking stick, created in 1809, is adorned with symbolic motifs.
At the top ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal, Gold
Small 18th Century Miniature Mahogany Chest
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An Extremely Attractive And Particularly Charming Mid 18th Century, Georgian Mahogany Miniature Chest, Retaining Exceptional Untouched Colour And Patina Throughout, Having Two Short And Three Long Drawers, Retaining Original Brass Ring Handles, Raised On Original Shaped Bracket Feet.
Although there has always been a large amount of discussion and conjecture as to the original purpose of antique miniature furniture it will be almost impossoble for a definitive answer to be given for by far the majority of surviving pieces.
The two well known and accepted purposes were either as an apprentice piece, meaning that the item may well have been made by a hopeful young man looking to secure himself a job at the local cabinet making workshop and using the piece as an audition for entry, or alternatively as a travelling salesmans sample piece where scale models of the full size items which a workshop could produce were created, allowing the salesman to take them away and use them for taking orders.
We believe that this wonderful little antique miniature chest...
Category
Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Mahogany
Junker JU-52 Aircraft Reduced Model Scale Model, 1932
Located in Paris, FR
Reduced Model Junker JU-52 scale model,
handcrafted in aluminium foil with engraved
metal rivets, 1932.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Models and Miniatures
Materials
Aluminum
Ruby Hummingbird Sculpture on Amethyst & Quartz Mineral Base
Located in Toronto, ON
A beautiful hand carved semi precious ruby stone hummingbird mounted on an amethyst and quartz mineral specimen base. This exotic bird is a decorative combination of ornithology and ...
Category
2010s American Models and Miniatures
Materials
Amethyst, Quartz
Heart Anatomical Model Life Size
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1940, Germany. We offer this Heart Anatomical Model Life Size. Made in rubber and handmade painted.
Category
1940s German Other Vintage Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood, Rubber
Set of 8 Antique Christmas Putz Houses, , Christmas Decorations
By Leo Putz
Located in Buffalo, NY
8 Antique Christmas Putz Houses
Here we have from the local estate of the original owner a VERY Rare group of 8 Large Putz Houses in their original b...
Category
1950s Japanese Folk Art Vintage Models and Miniatures
Materials
Paper
Pair of Antique Boots Lasts
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960, we offer this pair of antique boots lasts.
Category
1960s Mexican Industrial Vintage Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood
A miniature 18th C style mahogany English serpentine chest of drawers 1907
Located in Central England, GB
This exceptionally fine quality piece of English miniature cabinet making is a real gem dating to 1907 and fully signed and dated in the top draw in pencil, A F Lloyd, Bideford 1907....
Category
Early 1900s British Georgian Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Mahogany
Toy Car Citroen Traction 15/6, Circa 1960 France
Located in ROUEN, FR
This wooden car is a decorative representation of a Citroen Traction 15/6, capturing the elegance of an old-fashioned toy.
Labels in front and at the back are licence plates, registered in Massachusetts " 293 MA 9".
Ideal for collectors and enthusiasts, this antique toy car...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Streamlined Moderne Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood, Birch, Fruitwood
French Bronze Cannon Model
Located in Queens, NY
French bronze World War I (19/20th Century) field cannon on rectangular white marble base
Category
1880s French Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Carl Auböck Model #4500 'Lucky Pig' Polished Nickel Figurine Keyring
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4500 'Lucky Pig' polished nickel figurine keyring. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricated in polished nickel-plate...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Nickel, Brass
Miniature Gilt Wood Mirror and Console Set
Located in Delft, NL
Miniature gilt wood mirror and console set
Miniature mirrors with consoles in carved gilt wood with rocaille scrolls and is very lovely for a...
Category
Early 20th Century European Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood
Antique Sign "Appia" Model for Società Adriatica di Navigazione, Venice, 1960s
Located in taranto, IT
splendid and very rare LUMINOSA sign from the 1960s of the Adriatic shipping company of Venice, which belonged to a travel agency, with, inside, a real scale model AND IN METAL, of the appia ferry, used for the Bari-Durres-Bari line
the sign lights up both in the lower part, in correspondence with the writings, and behind and around the model of the ship, with a vintage electrical system still miraculously functioning, as can be seen from the attached photos
plastic vintage car models...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Models and Miniatures
Materials
Plastic, Wood
Black Cat Lovers Cast Iron Painted Door Stop Decorative object kids Bedroom
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Black Cat Lovers Cast Iron Painted Door Stop Decorative object kids Bedroom
Beautiful cast Iron of late 19th century Early 20th C. black cat of hand painted door stop decorative gif...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal, Iron
Pair of Large Chinese Hardstone, Jade and Cloisonné Enamel Flower Models
Located in London, GB
Pair of large Chinese hardstone, jade and cloisonné enamel flower models
Chinese, 20th Century
Height 39cm, width 25cm, depth 25cm
Crafted in 20th century China, this pair of lar...
Category
20th Century Chinese Models and Miniatures
Materials
Stone, Jade, Metal, Enamel
An urn-shaped Regency perfumer
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical urn-shaped perfumer from the Regency period (1812-1820). It is beautifully patinated bronze and decorated with floral garlands and a flower finial. England.
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Bronze
French 19th Century Salesman Sample Miniature Slant Front Secretary with Mirrors
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French miniature slant front secretary from the 19th century, with arched mirrors and gilt accents. Created in France during the 19th century, this miniature slant front secretary features a molded cornice sitting above two doors adorned with arching mirrors. The central section showcases the slant front desk opening to reveal hidden drawers and two storage compartments while the bottom part is made of four drawers with gilt accents. With its petite size indicating that this piece was likely a salesman sample and nice patina, this 19th century French miniature secretary...
Category
19th Century French Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Holiday Ornaments by Georg Jensen Collectibles Series, Christmas Decorations
By Georg Jensen
Located in Miami, FL
A fine set of holiday ornaments designed by Georg Jensen for the Collectibles series.
Both ornaments are in brass gilded with 24-carat gold.
Measures: 7" High x 6" Wide and approxim...
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass
Scale Model Vintage Sterling Silver Mercedes 500 K, circa 1980
Located in Bath, GB
Beautifully executed along with it's original solid wooden plinth. Both the sterling silver label and the car have matching hallmarked for 925 silver and the Italian maker mark numbe...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Ship Model of the Whaleship Wanderer
Located in Norwell, MA
Primitive model of the American whaleship Wanderer of New Bedford. Details include a winch, whaleboats, hatches, companionways, barrels, tryworks, etc. Six whaleboats hang from davit...
Category
1920s North American Vintage Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood
Herend Hungarian Porcelain Model of a Dog and a Rabbit on Leaf
By Herend
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Two delightful vintage Hungarian porcelain cabinet collector pieces comprising of a seated terrier dog and a rabbit on a leaf both made by Herend and dating from the 20th century. Bo...
Category
20th Century Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Materials
Porcelain
Twenty Models by Master Modeler Erik Ronnberg, Sr
Located in Norwell, MA
Three display cases of twenty 1/8 scale ancient naval models. Represents ships from the Evolution of Ancient Naval Architecture 750 BC - 1700 AD collection, 1/8th scale, E.A.R. Ronnberg, Sr. With gallery tag from the American Marine Model Gallery, Salem, Mass. Includes boats made between 7500 BC - 1500 BC. Twenty examples of Navel boats and ships through history including dugout canoe...
Category
1980s North American Vintage Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood
Georgian Rare Pair Treacle Glazed Stoneware Cottage Money Boxes
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and large pair Georgian English treacle glazed stoneware cottage money boxes dating from the early 19th century. The large cottage money boxes ar...
Category
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Stoneware
Chinese Hardstone and Cloisonné Enamel Flower Model
Located in London, GB
Chinese hardstone and cloisonné enamel flower model
Chinese, 20th Century
Height 14cm, depth 8cm, width 8cm
This Chinese flower model, crafted in the 20th century, is a captivating...
Category
20th Century Chinese Models and Miniatures
Materials
Stone, Agate, Metal, Enamel
Regency Mahogany Miniature Chest Of Drawers
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A 19th Century, Late Regency Period, Mahogany Miniature Chest Of Drawers Of Attractive Small Proportions, Having Well Figured Rectangular Top Over Two Short And Two Long Drawers, Ret...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Mahogany
19th C. French Miniature Buffet
Located in Winter Park, FL
A late 19th c. French miniature doll furniture buffet made of walnut with rosewood trim and oak as a secondary wood. Two small dovetailed drawers above cabinet doors opening to an in...
Category
19th Century French Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Oak, Rosewood, Walnut
Vintage Red Model Airplane
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Red Model Airplane
This exquisitely detailed hanging model plane is a unique decor piece for your office, hotel, restaurant, or living room, p...
Category
Mid-20th Century American American Classical Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal
Large Chinese Hardstone Model of a Flower Tree in a Cloisonné Enamel Planter
Located in London, GB
Large Chinese hardstone model of a flower tree in a cloisonné enamel planter
Chinese, 20th Century
Height 48cm, width 39cm, depth 23cm
Craf...
Category
20th Century Chinese Models and Miniatures
Materials
Agate, Jade, Metal, Enamel
Regency Mahogany Miniature Chest of Drawers
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Good Quality Early 19th Century, Regency Period, Mahogany Miniature Chest, Having Well Figured Rectangular Top Over Three Long Drawers, With Replacement Brass Turned Knobs, Fl...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Mahogany
Miniature Chinese Hardwood Furniture Set
Located in Chicago, IL
This miniature furniture set - at only 6 inches tall - beautifully recreates classic Chinese furniture forms down to the finest of details. Crafted of a beautiful hardwood, prized for its strength and dark color, the set includes a side table and two petite roundback armchairs...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Qing Models and Miniatures
Materials
Hardwood
Art Nouveau Rose Quartz, Gold, Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Walking Stick
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
Art Nouveau rose quartz, gold, ruby, emerald and diamond walking stick
Russian, c. 1900
Height 91cm, width 7cm, depth 1.5cm
This superb walking stick, crafted around 1900, embodi...
Category
Early 20th Century Russian Art Nouveau Models and Miniatures
Materials
Metal, Gold
19th Century American Country General Store Carpenter Model Trade Shop Display
Located in Forney, TX
A rare, unusual, and most charming diminutive hand-crafted Gold Rush era American country general store counter merchant desk.
Mid-19th century, United States, most likely commissi...
Category
19th Century American Industrial Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wrought Iron
Six Foot Model of Cup Yacht Puritan
Located in Norwell, MA
Six foot model of the Boston built America's Cup yacht Puritan. Fine model with planked deck, skylights with brass bars, suit of sails, etc. Mounted on a ma...
Category
Early 2000s Models and Miniatures
Materials
Wood
19th Century Silver Loderein or Snuff Box in the Shape of a Book
Located in Delft, NL
A silver loderein or snuff box in the shape of a book
A silver loderein box in the shape of a book with engraving.
19th Century.
The box is silver ...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Silver
Seifert Collector's Model Catamaran "Cat1," Germany 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Seifert vintage collectible catamaran boat produced in Germany in the early 1970s. The hull is finished in red and white vacuum plastic with a painted mahogany wood deck. This catama...
Category
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures
Materials
Fabric, Plastic, Wood
King Edward VII Royal Coronation Coach and Horses - made in London in 1901
Located in London, London
Carrying a London Import mark for 1901 by John George Piddington, this charming, Antique Sterling Silver Model of a Coach and Horses, is handsomely made.
The coach and horses measur...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Sterling Silver
Architectural Cork Model of an English Church by Cornelius Daniel Ward
Located in Benington, Herts
A Spectacular Masterpiece of Cork Modelling-a Scale Architectural Model of an English Church by Cornelius Daniel Ward of Norwich.
English Circa 1900-1930
Provenance
Made by Corneli...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Cork
19th Century French Empire Miniature Commode
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Empire miniature commode. A well executed miniature chest made of walnut and veneer of walnut with two large drawers below a smaller top drawer and with solid walnut columns. Inscription written in ink on the back of each of the large drawers: Don D...
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Walnut
19th century Papier Mache Table Top Hinged Screen Butterfly and Bird Motif
Located in Savannah, GA
Unusual small size papier mache tabletop screen featuring hand painted flowers, a colorful bird and butterfly. Three brass hinged panels. Half round s...
Category
1860s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Models and Miniatures
Materials
Brass
Antique Silver and Rock Crystal Walking Stick
Located in London, GB
Antique silver and rock crystal walking stick
Continental, c. 1900
Height 90.5cm, width 7.5cm, depth 4.5cm
This early 20th century walking stick showcases an extraordinary knigh...
Category
Early 20th Century European Models and Miniatures
Materials
Rock Crystal, Metal, Silver
Antique and Vintage Models and Miniatures
There’s a place in every room for antique and vintage models and miniatures to fit in as small pieces of decor with character. Given their diversity of design, they are well suited to fit any style of space. From boats and spaceships to animals and race cars, there is a model for every taste.
Among the earliest known uses of miniatures are models found in Egypt dating back to 3,000 B.C. They were placed in pyramids as part of religious ceremonies. Elsewhere in the ancient world, small-scale architectural models were used in burial rituals. Since then, people have made miniaturized models for a variety of purposes.
Around the turn of the last century, toy companies created sought-after miniatures like trains. In the 1930s, airplane model kits took off in popularity. Later, Pop artists helped turn these kid treasures into a higher art form, such as Andy Warhol’s 1983 Toy Paintings.
Many people now use miniatures to decorate. Miniatures and models can be a playful accent, especially in areas of leisure, like a living room, salon or bedroom. Some collect miniatures to show off a range of favorite passions, while others focus on one type of model to add sophistication to their home.
Models can depict animals, people or places — as they do for an interactive project called Gulliver’s Gate in New York — and can contribute to the curation of a space or express a personality. Connoisseurs can find folk art and historical miniatures from every era. They have been created in classic and modern designs ranging from kitsch collectibles to old-world oddities.
Explore the collection of models and miniatures on 1stDibs today to build your collection and bring whimsical joy to your home.